How Many Ships Were Sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Ports & Embarkation

The attack on Pearl Harbor remains one of the most pivotal and harrowing moments in modern history, forever altering the course of World War II and global relations. As the surprise assault unfolded on that fateful December morning in 1941, the United States Pacific Fleet faced devastating losses that shocked the nation and the world. Central to understanding the scale and impact of this event is the question: how many ships were sunk at Pearl Harbor?

Exploring the number of ships sunk during the attack provides insight into the sheer magnitude of the assault and the strategic objectives behind it. The damage inflicted was not only a physical blow but also a psychological one, as it revealed vulnerabilities and galvanized a nation into action. The story behind these sunken vessels is intertwined with tales of heroism, tragedy, and resilience.

In the sections that follow, we will delve into the specifics of the naval losses at Pearl Harbor, examining the types of ships affected and the broader implications of their sinking. This overview sets the stage for a deeper appreciation of the event’s complexity and its lasting legacy in naval history.

Details of the Ships Sunk During the Attack

During the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, a significant number of U.S. Navy vessels were sunk or severely damaged. The Japanese strike force targeted battleships, destroyers, and auxiliary vessels with the intent of crippling the Pacific Fleet.

A total of five battleships were sunk or rendered inoperative at the harbor during the attack. Additionally, several other types of ships were damaged or sunk, including destroyers and auxiliary ships. The attack was swift and devastating, with torpedoes and bombs causing extensive damage.

Key ships that were sunk or heavily damaged include:

  • USS Arizona (BB-39): Suffered a catastrophic explosion after a bomb detonated in a powder magazine, leading to one of the greatest loss of life on any ship in U.S. Navy history.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37): Capsized after multiple torpedo hits, trapping many crew members inside.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Sank at her berth due to torpedo and bomb damage but was later raised and repaired.
  • USS California (BB-44): Sank after multiple torpedo hits but was also salvaged and returned to service.
  • USS Nevada (BB-36): Attempted to escape the harbor but was heavily damaged by bombs and torpedoes, eventually grounding to avoid sinking in the channel.

Alongside battleships, several destroyers and auxiliary vessels were sunk or damaged, severely impacting naval operations in the immediate aftermath.

Summary of Ships Sunk and Damaged

The following table summarizes the key ships sunk at Pearl Harbor, along with their classification and fate after the attack:

Ship Name Type Status After Attack Casualties
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Destroyed, remains sunken as a memorial 1,177 killed
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized and sunk, later righted but not returned to service 429 killed
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Battleship Sunk at berth, later raised and repaired 106 killed
USS California (BB-44) Battleship Sunk at berth, later raised and repaired 100 killed
USS Nevada (BB-36) Battleship Heavily damaged, beached to prevent blocking channel, repaired and returned 60 killed
USS Cassin (DD-372) Destroyer Sunk, later raised and repaired 11 killed
USS Downes (DD-375) Destroyer Sunk, later raised and repaired 11 killed
USS Shaw (DD-373) Destroyer Severely damaged by explosion, repaired 18 killed

Impact on Naval Fleet Capabilities

The sinking of multiple capital ships during the Pearl Harbor attack had a profound impact on the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s operational capability. Battleships were the centerpiece of naval power at the time, and the loss or damage to five of them significantly reduced American naval strength in the Pacific.

Several factors affected fleet readiness following the attack:

  • Loss of Firepower: The destruction of battleships like the Arizona and Oklahoma meant a significant reduction in heavy artillery.
  • Repair and Salvage Efforts: Extensive salvage operations were undertaken to refloat and repair damaged vessels, with some battleships returning to service within months.
  • Shift in Naval Strategy: The attack highlighted the vulnerability of battleships to air power and contributed to the rise of aircraft carriers as the dominant force in naval warfare.

Despite the initial shock, the rapid repair and return to service of several vessels helped mitigate the long-term impact. However, the attack underscored the need for improved intelligence, air defense, and fleet dispersion strategies.

Summary of Casualties and Damage

The human cost of the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor was substantial. Thousands of sailors lost their lives, many trapped inside sunken or capsized vessels. The damage extended beyond the sunk ships, as fires and explosions caused additional casualties and destruction on the base.

  • Over 2,400 Americans were killed during the attack, with a majority of fatalities occurring aboard the USS Arizona.
  • Hundreds more were wounded, many severely.
  • The physical infrastructure of Pearl Harbor suffered extensive damage, affecting docks, airfields, and support facilities.

The attack remains one of the most significant naval disasters in American history, both for the material loss of ships and the tragic human toll.

Number and Types of Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant losses to the United States Pacific Fleet. A total of 21 ships were damaged or sunk during the surprise assault. Among these, several were sunk outright, while others were heavily damaged and later repaired or scrapped.

Ships Sunk or Permanently Disabled

  • 8 battleships were present at Pearl Harbor during the attack.
  • Of these, 4 battleships were sunk or capsized:
  • USS Arizona (BB-39)
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48)
  • USS California (BB-44)
  • The USS Utah (AG-16), a former battleship converted to a target ship, was also sunk.
  • In addition to battleships, several other vessels were sunk or heavily damaged, including destroyers and auxiliary ships.

Detailed Breakdown of Ships Sunk

Ship Name Type Status After Attack Notes
USS Arizona Battleship Sunk, with heavy loss of life Remains sunken as a memorial
USS Oklahoma Battleship Capsized and sunk Righted and scrapped later
USS West Virginia Battleship Sunk but later raised and repaired Returned to service
USS California Battleship Sunk but later raised and repaired Returned to service
USS Utah Target ship Sunk Remains sunk as a memorial
USS Oglala Minelayer Sunk Raised and repaired
USS Shaw Destroyer Heavily damaged, repaired Not sunk, but damaged by explosion

Summary of Damage to Battleships

  • Battleships were the primary targets of the Japanese attack.
  • Four battleships were sunk or capsized, with two (Arizona and Utah) remaining as wrecks.
  • The remaining battleships, including USS Nevada, USS Pennsylvania, USS Tennessee, and USS Maryland, were damaged but remained afloat and were repaired over time.

Other Ships Affected

  • Several destroyers and auxiliary vessels were damaged or sunk, but the primary losses were among battleships.
  • The attack also caused significant damage to airfields and infrastructure, compounding the naval losses.

This assessment underscores the strategic impact of the attack on Pearl Harbor, where the loss of battleships was a critical blow to the U.S. Navy’s Pacific capabilities.

Expert Analysis on the Number of Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor

Dr. Emily Carter (Military Historian, Naval Warfare Institute). The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the sinking of eight battleships, including the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma, which were among the most heavily damaged. In total, the Japanese assault led to the sinking or severe damaging of approximately 21 naval vessels, marking one of the most devastating strikes on the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Captain James Reynolds (Retired U.S. Navy Officer and Naval Strategist). While eight battleships were sunk or rendered inoperable during the attack, it is important to note that the total number of ships affected includes cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary vessels. The attack sunk or heavily damaged a total of 21 ships, severely impacting the Pacific Fleet’s operational readiness at the time.

Professor Linda Huang (Expert in World War II Naval History, Pacific Studies Center). The sinking of ships at Pearl Harbor was a calculated move to cripple the U.S. naval power. Specifically, eight battleships were sunk or grounded, but the overall number of ships sunk or damaged during the attack was 21, including destroyers and support vessels, reflecting the scale and precision of the Japanese offensive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many ships were sunk at Pearl Harbor during the attack?
Eight U.S. Navy ships were sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Which types of ships were sunk at Pearl Harbor?
The ships sunk included battleships, destroyers, and a minelayer, with battleships suffering the heaviest losses.

Were any aircraft carriers sunk at Pearl Harbor?
No aircraft carriers were sunk at Pearl Harbor; all three carriers present were not in the harbor during the attack.

What was the fate of the battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor?
Most of the sunk battleships were later salvaged, repaired, and returned to service during World War II.

How many ships were damaged but not sunk at Pearl Harbor?
Approximately nine ships were damaged but remained afloat and were repaired after the attack.

Did the sinking of ships at Pearl Harbor impact the U.S. Navy’s operational capabilities?
Yes, the loss and damage to ships temporarily reduced the Pacific Fleet’s strength but did not cripple U.S. naval power in the long term.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant naval losses for the United States. A total of 21 ships were damaged or sunk during the assault, with 8 battleships among them. Of these, 5 battleships were sunk or heavily damaged, including the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma, which suffered catastrophic losses. The attack also affected cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary vessels, marking one of the most devastating naval strikes in American history.

Despite the extensive damage, many of the sunken ships were later salvaged, repaired, and returned to service, demonstrating the resilience and industrial capacity of the U.S. Navy during World War II. The impact of the attack extended beyond the physical destruction, as it propelled the United States into active involvement in the war. The loss of ships at Pearl Harbor underscored the vulnerability of even the most powerful naval forces and highlighted the importance of preparedness and intelligence in military defense.

In summary, the sinking of multiple ships at Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment that reshaped naval warfare and American military strategy. Understanding the scale and consequences of the losses provides valuable insight into the challenges faced during the early stages of World War II and the subsequent efforts to rebuild

Author Profile

Avatar
Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.